Rankin: LSU must top Alabama and Auburn to win SEC

Linebacker Devin White discusses facing Alabama as part of LSU's 2018 schedule that also includes games against Miami (Fla.), Auburn, Georgia and Florida during SEC Media Days on Monday in Atlanta.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron speaks during NCAA college football Southeastern Conference media days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Monday, July 16, 2018.(Photo: John Amis, AP)

Auburn overcame a loss to them last season to play for an SEC championship.

The LSU Tigers have been and are just as talented, but should feel a great urgency to defeat both to win the SEC West. LSU last beat Alabama and Auburn in the same season in 2011 — when it last won the SEC.

“It’s a big challenge,” LSU junior defensive end Rashard Lawrence said during Monday’s SEC media days at the College Football Hall of Fame. “They’re both great teams. We got Auburn last year, and we couldn’t quite beat Alabama. It’s something we see the improvement and room for improvement. To know we’re that close, it’s good to know. Very good to know.”

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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron and Alabama head coach Nick Saban talk before their game at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday November 4, 2017.(Photo: (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser))

LSU plays Sept. 15 at Auburn and hosts the defending national champion Crimson Tide Nov. 3. Add an Oct. 13 date against defending SEC champion Georgia, and LSU has a tall order to win the league.

“We have a very challenging schedule,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “That’s why you come to LSU, to play the best. We have to start very fast.”

LSU opens the 2018 season on a Sunday night, Sept. 2, against a resurgent Power 5 force, Miami (Florida), at "Jerry World" in Arlington, Texas.

“It’s no other game I want to play and test myself against a team from another conference such as a team like Miami,” LSU junior All-America linebacker Devin White said. “How good they were last year. The type of momentum they bring to the games. I think this is the best stage to play on.”

LSU linebacker Devin White led the SEC in tackles as a sophomore last season with 133.(Photo: Associated Press)

LSU could regroup from a loss to Miami, but considering its conference crossover games against Georgia and at Florida, it can’t afford a loss to Alabama or Auburn — and win the SEC.

The Tigers have dropped their last seven games to Alabama dating back to the 2012 BCS title game they lost 21-0 in New Orleans.

2012 — 21-17

2013 — 38-17

2014 — 20-13 OT

2015 — 30-16

2016 — 10-0

2017 — 24-10

“Almost is not good enough against Alabama,” Orgeron said.

LSU has lost 17 SEC games since the 2012 season with six coming against Alabama and two to Auburn.

Beat Alabama and Auburn or watch one of the two likely win the SEC. Since 2012, Alabama has won four SEC titles while Auburn took it in 2013.

With 42 players selected in the NFL draft dating back to 2013 with 16 being taken in the first or second round, talent hasn’t been LSU’s problem.

Coaching has, especially against Alabama.

Les Miles lost his last four to Nick Saban. Orgeron took over for a fired Miles in 2016, but his offense has mustered just one touchdown in two defeats against Saban’s Tide.

Orgeron pointed out the quarterback play of Jalen Hurts, a missed pass to DJ Chark in last season’s game, but believes LSU handled Alabama physically.

“That was the first time I think our players felt that in a while,” he said.

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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron before the Alabama game at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday November 4, 2017.(Photo: Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser)

So, Orgeron is more than confident LSU can finally end this skid against Alabama.

“We feel a couple of plays here and there and if we continue to be physical, we’ll be right in there with them,” he concluded.

Orgeron won his first game against Auburn as LSU's head coach, but the Tigers return to Jordan-Hare Stadium where they lost an 18-13 heartbreaker after a touchdown on the game’s final play was called back.

Quarterback play has cost LSU just as much as coaching, but Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow could fix that problem as the Tigers plan to run a spread offense.

“Great accuracy,” LSU senior tight end Foster Moreau said. “Great arm. A lot of confidence when he throws. He’s added to the quarterback competition immensely. He’s done a great job.”

Ohio State graduate transfer Joe Burrow is expected to start this season for LSU.(Photo: Associated Press)

Still, history hasn’t been on LSU’s side when it comes to Alabama and Auburn.

LSU came back from a 20-0 deficit to beat Auburn at home, again, last season, but watched Auburn later upset Georgia and Alabama when both were ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff poll to earn a spot in the conference championship game.

Georgia ended up beating Auburn in the rematch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but LSU beat the team that defeated the SEC schools that played for a national championship.

“I can’t say it was too frustrating,” Moreau said. “We just kind of looked at it and said, wow, that was a really good game on our schedule. It kind of gives us the mental fortitude, I would say, to kind of think, OK, we can beat Auburn and Auburn can get into the SEC championship. There’s no reason why we couldn’t get to the SEC championship.”

An Auburn fan looks on during the NCAA football game between Auburn and LSU on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. LSU defeated Auburn 27-23. (Photo: Albert Cesare )

LSU was in the driver’s seat to win the division and play for the league title after that 27-23 comeback win over Auburn, but lost three weeks later at Alabama.

LSU won its last three conference games against Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A&M to finish 6-2 in SEC play behind Alabama and Auburn, but squandered a late lead in a loss to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl.

Now the Tigers enter another season knowing the situation.

Beat Alabama and Auburn or watch someone else win the SEC — and probably play for a national title.